It was nighttime and Dr. King placed the phone down after receiving another death threat.
“Listen, (n-word), we’ve taken all we’re gonna from you, before next week you’ll be sorry.”
Dr. King got up out of bed and went into the kitchen. He made some coffee, sat down at the table and began to doubt his decision to lead the Montgomery bus boycott. He was afraid for his wife and daughter. He was afraid for himself.
Lord, I am here taking a stand for what I believe is right. But now I am afraid. The people are looking to me for leadership, and if I stand before them without strength and courage, they too will falter.
Dr. King would tell the story years later, recalling the desperation he felt that night. He prayed out loud for God to give him guidance. That night when faced with doubt, he asked God whether he should stay or go.
King says he heard an “inner voice” that told him to stand up for righteousness and truth. God responded “Go” and the course of history was changed forever.